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The Handmaid's Tale

A gripping vision of our society radically overturned by a theocratic revolution, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has become one of the most powerful and most widely read novels of our time. Offered is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife. She may go out once a day to markets whose signs are now pictures because women are not allowed to read. She must pray for the COmmander to make her pregnant, for in a time of declining birthrates her value lies in her fertility, and failure means exile to the dangerously polluted Colonies. Offred can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Now she navigates the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules.

From the critics

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Writing is graceful, though dogmatic dotted in Offred’s otherwise lyrical narration. Story is well structured, concluded with a epilogue (notes) which clarifies further, but appears more like an appendage to undermine the ending.
Based on historical (real) conditions with author’s perspective and interpretation, I’d pondered if it were plausible when I cared about such dystopian tale more than I’m affected by hyped buzz.

I am honestly so torn. I hated this book, but I also loved it at the same time.

What stuck out most to me is that The Handmaid's Tale is so moving, elegant yet subtle, and so relatable on a certain level. At the same time, Offred is SO real that it's haunting. And that's probably why I'm also terrified as an individual. This is the first book I've read that's really addressed all the sides to a human being. I truly connected with its message, and I am hoping to dive into some kind of follow-up.

Final, few minor problems I had were the world-building and quotation marks. Sometimes, Atwood employs the use of quotation marks and sometimes, she just doesn't. I'm not sure if there's a reason, or if she just felt like it. Also, there is so much information regarding the society, but I was so curious, and I think there could've been more detail.

At the same time, the transition between different time periods is difficult. I couldn't quite place my finger on whether or not the event occurring was a flashback or currently taking place.

If you've seen other ratings, you'll know that The Handmaid's Tale ends on a rather open note, but I think it was pretty fulfilling and satisfying. It really depends on personal opinion, but it shouldn't be something that stops a reader from approaching this novel. It's worth it.

Looking back at my 3-star rating, I think 4 to 4.5 would better fit how I really feel. But I guess this approximation is a better illustration of the complexity of The Handmaid's Tale and its true meaning.

Jan. 25th/2018, :)
Ok, This 'Crazy', and scary, oppressive book summarizes or resembles, George Orwells, futuristic indoctrination of society in his 1984 novel. The story unfolds a stagnant, sadistic, regressive community, which sets examples of public displays of lynchings and out casting of infertile misfits to toxic-chemical, 'Death-camps' - for small crimes and misdemeanours as one means of controlling the mass populations: vaguely, yet uniquely parallel in structure to that of the Nazi German armed forces.
Other means of population & mind control included: a new formation of a completely uniformed, "HIERARCHAL REGIME", committed to ritualistic burnings of intelligence materials, food & product rationing, strict emotion control, specific impregnating & birthing procedures, religious issues, and depressing women into old traditional roles which reminded me of red tape, Communist China's previous order, and also mirror's that of North Korean's repressive, dictatorship State. However, in direct contrast and opposition to this strict, new regime: I particularily enjoyed, 'MOIRA'S', moxy, rebellious attitude and very fun/exciting character! :) .
This book also resembles 2 movies, seen: 1) The Island 2) Equilibrium - both of which are good and entertaining features worth watching. :) Lol.
Lastly, one cannot help but wonder or imagine in horror - what would happen to us - if our current day, advanced, free or privileged North Western societies around the world - reverted back into this Handmaid's Tale, of living day, reality? ;) lol... Overall a v. popular, unnerving yet creative, interesting and thought-provoking, read! Thx.

One of customers at the Snellville Branch recommended this book. I completed it in one day! The society and relationships revealed from the perspective of this handmaid is complex, layered yet terrifyingly realistically portrayed! I cannot wait to binge watch the corresponding series. Highly recommended!

Atwood's dystopian society takes a different perspective from famous authors such as George Orwell. I personally enjoyed this novel and thought the plot was riveting. There are high and low points throughout the story but still found myself struggling to put the book down. The dynamics and secrets between characters, ritualistic community, and struggle for life and individualism make this indeed a great tale.

This book is a masterfully written piece of social commentary. It was relevant in the 1980's, and it is still relevant today. If you care about women's issues, religious issues, and environmental issues, this book will have something to say to you.

It is the hardest for you. We know the sacrifices you are being expected to make. It is hard when men revile you. For the ones who come after you, it will be easier. They will accept their duties with willing hearts. She did not say: Because they will have no memories, of any other way. She said: Because they won't want things they can't have.

Summary

Offred lives in a society where women are valued purely for their ability to reproduce because of rampant bareness caused by radioactive materials. Offred is one of the handmaids who are forced to procreate under the direct supervision of their commanding 'wives'. Offred had a family and a child of her own which were taken from her when she was forced to become property. All aspects of her life are controlled on pain of death. Things start to spiral downward when her Commander (baby daddy) starts speaking to her outside of the prearranged time he promises her glimpses of her old life. She is also forced into a sexual encounter with one of the servant men after her commanding wife feels the commander is incapable of getting her pregnant. She continues on this relationship even though she is afraid of being found out. The book ends rather abruptly when Offred is taken away in a van which is known to dispose of rebellious handmaids. It is implied that her lover helps her escape although it is ambiguous.